“To that end, we intend to move with speed and to fast-track the finalisation of Exploration Rights applications so that South Africa can maximise its chances of reaping the benefits from shale gas exploration and exploitation.”

Mantashe says his department has received three shale-gas exploration rights applications, so far.

He says he will shortly publish a notice in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, to invite comment from those who may be quote “materially and adversely affected”.

Mantashe was delivering his maiden speech in Parliament in support of his department’s R1,9 billion budget.